The
Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI), representing specialty physicians, academic researchers, and allied health professionals in the field, was very happy to hear the
announcement of important changes to food labelling regulations to be implemented by August 2012.
Following an extensive consultation process, involving members of the CSACI throughout, the Minister of Health and Health Canada formally announced Monday February 14 that labels for pre-packaged foods in Canada will require clear identification of priority allergens and glutens, as well as added sulphites, in plain English or French.
"These much-anticipated changes to the food labelling regulations will allow allergic Canadians and their families to make safer, better-educated food choices, and will undoubtedly improve their quality of life," noted CSACI President Dr. Stuart Carr.
The CSACI applauds this announcement, and looks forward to an ongoing partnership with the Minister of Health and Health Canada, the food and beverage industries, and other important stakeholders as it continues to strive to optimize food labelling, especially with regards to 'precautionary labelling', which has become an unfortunate and often inaccurate burden for affected Canadians.
The announced new regulations are an exciting development, confirming the effectiveness of a collaborative approach to the health and safety of Canadians with food allergies.